The Silves Golf Course in the Algarve, affords a tranquil rural setting despite being only a stone’s throw away from the historic town of Silves, Portugal. Yet the Silves golf course is not an easy walk. A drive at the opening hole has to flirt with two water hazards on both flanks.

You must attack for low scoring

A heroic and straight shot will reward the player with an easy uphill approach. The excellent condition, all year round, is ideal for low scorin, even for high handicap players. Silves Golf Course has been designed to test the golfer's quality in hitting a well directed and precise ball using the correct choice of club. It is the “archetype” of man-sized parkland golf. Most holes of Silves offer a spectacular mountain and valley view, overlooking palm trees, olive groves and small farms. The severity of the bunkering is enough defence against the onslaught of the games big guns.

Some general characteristics

Interestingly, Silves Golf Course has no less than six par-3 holes with lengths of between 136 and 201 metres and four par-5s of 461 metres upwards. Strategic placement of bunkers and lakes as well as the speedy, contoured greens provide a challenging layout.

The two most memorable holes

As for two-shot holes, Silves Golf Course, has a great variety, ranging from the short, arrow-straight but formidable opening hole, to the long and spectacularly curving 13th that blends harmoniously into its immediate surroundings.